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Compute Function
The compute function is often useful when conducting Regression analysis
because it provides an easy way to create centered terms and interaction terms
for testing moderation.
Task: Compute a simple average of Recall1 and Recall2.
Start off by importing the
ExampleData001.sav into the Data Editor window of PASW / SPSS (from this
point forward referred to as simply SPSS).
To use the Compute function, simply go to "Transform", "Compute Variable..."
You should now see the "Compute Variable" dialog box. Type AVG_recall into
the "Target Variable:" box and then enter the equation by typing it or using the
symbols on the calculator key pad in the dialog box and selecting and moving
both variables with the arrow button. When typing in an equation, pay
particularly close attention to where spaces are necessary. Then click "Paste".
After clicking "Paste" you should see the following syntax which can be
highlighted and submitted to create the new variable. Use the big green arrow
(triangle) to submit after highlighting the syntax. Syntax is shown here
because, it is often just as easy to write the syntax for a compute function as
it would be to navigate through the menu system to produce it.
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